I could not get the Paris Velib bicycle rental service to accept my credit card. I'm headed back and really want to use the system and know that normal American cards don't work. How do I get something that will be accepted in the Velib system? Or how do I get some assistance on line?
Thanks,
Hugh
Posted by
Ottawa, Ontario,, Canada
521 posts
Does your card have the chip in it, or is it only a swipe card? Many European machines are moving to only accepting the credit cards with an embedded chip.
edit - Yeah, I just found out that it MUST have an embedded chip to work on the system - regular swipe credit cards will not work. Take a look at the bottom of http://en.parisinfo.com/professionnals/100313/velib-
Posted by
OP
Eugene, Oregon, USA
3 posts
So, can I get a credit card with embedded chip in North America? I'm not aware of it. I could make the long, frustrating call to my VISA account, but I'd rather have a nice human tell me right here on this page.
Thanks!
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9100 posts
The only US credit cards embedded with the European chips are American Express. A couple of months ago someone else posted that they were able to use their American Express card with the Velib system. Canadian cards are being embedded with the chip, but I'm not aware of any US Visa OR MC card that has them; or any plans to use them :(
Posted by
OP
Eugene, Oregon, USA
3 posts
Thank you for this useful info. I will pursue getting a card that works, either through American Express or ??
When I succeed, I'll post it here.
Any other advice out there?
Hugh